Za'Darius Smith admits he joined Vikings to get revenge on Packers

Revenge was a primary reason behind Za'Darius Smith's decision to sign a three-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings this offseason.

The 29-year-old pass-rusher, who the Green Bay Packers released in March, told Go Long's Tyler Dunne that he joined the Vikings so he could face his former team multiple times each season.

"I played one year of high school football," Smith said. "For me to be where I'm at today, that's how you know I love the game. I put my all into it. That's why I felt the way I did with Green Bay - I gave that shit my all. I put my blood, sweat... I put my back on the f---ing line. I put everything. And that Year 3, I was treated bad. That's why I'm here now. So, I can play them twice a year."

Smith spent three seasons in Green Bay, but a back injury sidelined him for most of the 2021 campaign. He totaled 26 sacks, five forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and 108 tackles in 33 regular-season games with the Packers.

The Vikings open the 2022 season at home against the Packers and will face Green Bay again in Week 17.